The Fascinating Hobby of Vinyl Record Collecting by Robert Benson
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The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting by Robert Benson www.collectingvinylrecords.com TThhee FFaasscciinnaattiinngg HHoobbbbyy OOff VViinnyyll RReeccoorrdd CCoolllleeccttiinngg www.collectingvinylrecords.com By Robert G. Benson A Record Collector‟s Guide to Their Passion 1 The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting by Robert Benson www.collectingvinylrecords.com About the Author: Robert Benson has been collecting records for more than 30 years and has more than 10,000 vinyl records in his collection, ranging from early rock and roll, through the present. As an avid collector, Robert has learned many “tricks of the trade,” which he shares with you in his insightful look into this wonderful hobby and why vinyl records have remained so popular. Robert wrote this ebook to share his passion with others and includes multiple interviews with record collectors and record dealers, an in- depth look at album cover art and its history, grading vinyl, buying/selling issues and much more. Robert operates (www.collectingvinylrecords.com) and also operates several others, but his time and efforts are geared toward his vinyl sites. Robert writes many articles about records and has recently been included in Jerry Osborne‟s 2008 „Rockin‟ Records‟ record price guide. He also is a moderator in Jerry‟s forum (http://www.jerryosborne.com/cgi-bin/Forum/YaBB.pl in charge of “This Date In Music History”) and has been published on sites such as www.vinylgallery.org www.recordcollectorsguild.org, www.gemm.com, www.associatedcontent.com, www.isnare.com www.musicstack.com, www.rockitradio.net and many more-to numerous to list. Robert grew up listening to rock and roll and Aroadied@ for many bands in his youth, where he acquired such a keen interest in music and the players of music. Come follow Robert as we explore the fascinating world of vinyl record collecting. 2 The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting by Robert Benson www.collectingvinylrecords.com Visit Robert’s Informative Websites: www.collectingvinylrecords.com learn about the hobby of collecting records, current trends, engaging articles, pop/rock quiz, album cover art, valuable records & more! www.vinylrecordappraisals.com What are your vinyl records worth? Affordable vinyl record appraisal services available. www.buyvinylrecords.net One of the Internets largest online vinyl record directories- search for rare and collectible records from vinyl retailers from around the globe! http://collectingvinylrecords.blogspot.com the latest news in the vinyl record world, album cover art features, interviews, top sellers, videos, this date in music history, interesting links and much more! All comments and feedback are welcome, email Robert at [email protected] (all emails will be answered) I have checked all the links as of the end of November 2008 and they are all operational. Because things change, please report any broken links to my email and I will fix them immediately! I have been selling the ebook for $5.99 and trust that if you like the product, you will make a donation of at least $5.99. So I have decided to make this ebook available as a free download, but will accept donations via the PayPal link on the website. Please check the website and make a donation so I can continue to make my website and ebook available to everyone! Additionally, you see this URL featured http://tinyurl.com/6ou5fm in the ebook. What I have done is ‘shrink’ some long URL’s, still takes you to the same page, but without a URL like this: http://store.eSellerate.net/a.asp?c=1_SKU12470272665_AFL4578905286&at_AFYN27469-dsut%$# What ‘tiny’ URL does is shrink a URL with, let’s say 70 characters, and makes it a more manageable 20- 25 characters. The author of this ebook has used his best efforts in preparing this ebook. The author makes no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this ebook. The information contained in this ebook is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in this ebook, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. Unauthorized duplication or distribution of this material in any form is strictly prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Copyright © 2006-2009 by Robert Benson All Rights Reserved. 3 The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting by Robert Benson www.collectingvinylrecords.com Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………. 5 What is collecting?................................................ 6 Why people collect records………………………………………… 9 The digitization of music……………………………………………… 14 Vinyl vs. CD…………………………………………………………………. 18 Records, Album Cover Art, History….……………….………… 20 Preservation of vinyl……………………………………………………. 43 Vinyl Art………………………………………………………………………… 46 Converting vinyl to CD………………………………………………… 50 Kinds of records………………………………………………………….. 53 Types of music…………………………………………………………….. 80 Grading your vinyl……………………………………………………….. 83 Record guides………………………………………………………………. 89 Jerry Osborne…………………………………………………………………91 Cleaning your records………………………………………………….. 93 Storing your records…………………………………………………….. 96 Where to find vinyl records…………………………………………. 98 Vinyl is back………………………………………………………………… 108 Common abbreviations…………………………………………………116 Selling record albums ………………….………………………………117 Appraising vinyl records………………………………………………120 How to determine record values………………………………….128 Collectibles Insurance………………………………………………....135 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….139 Links and resources………………………………………………………140 Sponsors……………………………………………………………………….143 4 The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting by Robert Benson www.collectingvinylrecords.com Introduction We are an eclectic bunch. Sometimes we are called “audiophiles” or “geeks.” We are ministers, housewives, politicians, lawyers, doctors, and the guy next door. We are photographers, clerks, senior citizens, factory workers, Aold hippies@, baby boomers, waitresses and rock musicians (Peter Buck- R.E.M., Pat Dinizio-Smithreens, Steve Turner-Mudhoney, Peter Wolf-J.Geils Band, Thurston Moore-Sonic Youth, to name a few). We are an avid bunch.....we are vinyl record collectors. We scour the countryside in search of that one special record that will somehow make our collection complete. But, alas, once we find it, we realize that our collection will never be complete. So off again we go to the garage sales, the church bazaars, flea markets, record shows, online auctions, or the yard sales in small towns in search of additions to our prized vinyl record collection. We spend hours cataloging, cleaning, sorting, and taking meticulous care of our records. But, for the most part, the prize is in the grooves of the record, the music we hold so dear-for that is a return on our investment that there is no price for. With this being said, let us explore some the aspects of vinyl record collecting and why people are so committed to this fascinating hobby. Note: This ebook is best read at your computer, online (although you can print it if you choose to do so) because I utilize numerous “live links” throughout the ebook that either add information or clarify a specific point that I am addressing. Additionally, I am from the United States and although most of the essential elements of vinyl record collecting remain the same, there will certainly be different music genres that I don‟t address different places to locate records and price variations in the value of certain records. I use record price guides (and highly recommend Jerry Osborne‟s “Rockin‟ Records” price guide because of the accuracy of the content) that are printed in the U.S. and there may be additional price guides available in the country you reside in. Please take these elements into consideration as you enjoy the ebook. 5 The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting by Robert Benson www.collectingvinylrecords.com What Is Collecting? People collect, amass, store and hoard just about anything. Some are put up for display (like fine art), yet, others remain in attics and basement, sealed away forever. People collect just about anything including: marbles, coins, political memorabilia, cookie jars, autographs, sports memorabilia, jewelry, Pez dispensers, snow globes, stamps, vinyl records, sports cards, comic books, toys, ceramics, jewelry…. why the list is endless. People have always collected something either as a hobby or an investment. In fact, one of the first American numismatists began collecting coins in 1817 and it was a collection of American cents from each year. But, coin collecting has a history going back to ancient times when the ancient Romans were interested in and collected Greek and Roman coins. There have been many famous people who have collected one thing or another. It is reported that a certain U.S. attorney has amassed a collection of more than 200,000 railroad nails and a Russian countess collected bedpans that had previously belonged to rich and famous people. King Louis XIV of France thoroughly enjoyed his daily visit to the French Royal Coin Collection, noting that he could „always find something new to learn.‟ In addition, actor Buddy Ebsen, who portrayed the loveable hillbilly Jed Clampett, was fond of collecting ancient coins. The flamboyant rock star Freddie Mercury, of the band Queen, was an avid stamp collector as a boy. Many famous musicians have huge vinyl record collections, including Peter Buck (R.E.M.), Peter Wolf (of the J. Geils Band), and Thurston Moore (Sonic